Skaneateles stars return to Empire Games

Athletes are Skaneateles are ready to return to the stage of the Empire State Games after a one-year hiatus.

The resumption of the ESG in 2010 will take place in Buffalo and other parts of Western New York. From the July 21 opening ceremonies until July 25, thousands of athletes from six regions (Central, Western, Adirondack, Hudson Valley, New York City and Long Island) compete for medals in more than 20 sports.

Here is where Skaneateles athletes will be featured at the games.

Lacrosse - Fresh off leading the Skaneateles Lakers to an undefeated regular season and the Section III Class C title, Kevin Rice will feature prominently on the Central region scholastic men's team at Canisius College, while Carly Davis joins the scholastic women's side in a medal pursuit at Niagara University.

Volleyball - A key member of the unbeaten Section III Class B championship team last winter, Ryan Merle will bring some power to Central's scholastic women's team as it plays at the University at Buffalo's Alumni Arena.

Tennis - Looking to improve upon recent ESG struggles, the Central scholastic men's side includes Ethan Wilcox, the Lakers' top singles player. Tennis matches are at UB's Ellicott Courts.

Soccer - All ESG soccer matches will be at the Amherst North French Soccer Complex, where Lakers star A.J. Richichi is bound to see a lot of action for the Central scholastic men's team.

Canoe/Kayak - Tim Davis, from Skaneateles Falls, is one of the longest-serving Central region athletes and, once again, will come to the ESG for races at UB's LaSalle Lake.

Cycling - Jake Bolewski joins a large contingent of Central bikers in a variety of events throughout the Buffalo area, from road races to individual and team time trials.

Fencing - At Niagara Falls High School, Brendan Dickerson competes in the scholastic men's sabre, while Keith Vandingstee is in the open division, fencing in the foil.

Gymnastics - Kaela Fiutak, a standout on the Skaneateles girls swim team, moves to the mat and is part of Central's scholastic women's team in the ESG meet at Buffalo State College Sports Arena.